"Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder." (James 3:16)

We know what comparison can look like in our lives, so now let’s look at the root of what comparison is. Comparison is a heart issue based on lies that causes us to fall from truth-based peace and security into disorder.

The lie is that we need to measure up to any other person, or that we might even have superiority over another person. The lie is that maybe who we are, and where we are, isn’t good enough. The lie is that maybe if we just had what SHE had, THEN we would be satisfied. We have to see these lies for what they are and go to battle against them.

The Bible, God’s word, is our ultimate source of truth and it has plenty to tell us about comparison and the effects it has on our lives. James 3:16 says, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder.” We know this is true! When has a moment of jealousy or self-seeking behavior fueled by comparison ever made you feel at peace? Never!

We know that God is a god of order and peace and that is the way he wants our hearts to be as well. Look at the old testament, Exodus and Leviticus and Numbers - God gave a very detailed system and set of rules to the Israelites in the wilderness after he brought them out of captivity in Egypt so they would have a society of order. When we find ourselves feeling disordered, chaotic, and dissatisfied, we know those feelings are not from God.

Satan is the master of lies, and he will use comparison to get you to forget the truth and buy into these lies and live in a place of spiritual disorder anytime he can. We must look at our hearts, find the issue, call it out, and make a change if we want to live in the peace and satisfaction that comes from following Jesus.

So that brings us to the bottom line truth we need to be rooted in: God is sovereign, in complete authority and control, and he made each of us exactly as we are, and has placed us where we are, for a specific purpose. Knowing who we are and who God is must be the lens through which we look at the world around us if we have any hope of being satisfied in this life. We can’t look through the distorted lense of lies, we can’t look through the green lenses of envy, we have to look through the perfectly clear, magnifying lense of truth in order to walk in confidence rather than comparison.

Prayer: Lord I am so thankful that you are a God of order and peace. Thank you for showing me that I can look to you and follow you rather than looking through other lenses and being left unsatisfied.